Chapter 1

A sudden turn of fortune, the underdog prevails.

With a creak, the old wooden door was pushed open, and Chen Shi Mei entered the room, bending over with a broom made of sorghum in her hand, carefully sweeping along the threshold and floor cracks.

Early in the morning, her father had asked the entire family to dust. Being the least favored, Shi Mei was assigned to sweep the western abandoned house, a place that served as the ancestral hall, gloomy and damp, lacking sunlight, with holes in the wooden window frames and cobwebs in the corners.

But Shi Mei didn't mind, finding it rather peaceful, yawning as she swept.

The place, long unvisited, was covered in thick dust. Sweeping stirred up clouds of dust, causing Shi Mei to sneeze twice. She quickly covered her mouth and nose, glancing around to see the pillars inside the house mostly rotten. As she swept her way here, she had seen several large termites scuttling about. The century-old house probably wouldn’t last much longer.

Approaching the ancestral altar, Shi Mei intended to dust off the ancestral tablets but found a box behind them.

The box, made of ebony, looked valuable; she picked it up, feeling its weight.

She dusted it off with a brush and saw a few characters carved into the box – 'Xiang Fen Zhai'.

These three characters, Shi Mei had heard of them in her childhood.

The Chen family, through generations, has been in the business of making incense powder. Today, they also sell unique fragrances, such as He Xiang, Shui Xiang, and Song Bai Xiang, all highly esteemed. They even supply a significant amount to the palace annually. It's this incense powder business that has established them as one of the capital's wealthiest families.

However, it's said that by her father's generation, the family had begun to decline, falling far short of their peak prosperity.

In her ancestry, there was an extraordinary woman named Chen Shimei, whose name resonates with Shi Mei, known as the formidable 'Lady of Incense Powder.' Reportedly, she had a unique skill to create thousands of exotic fragrances. At that time, from the noble court to the common households, everyone took pride in using the Chen family's incense powder. In recognition, the Emperor awarded her a plaque inscribed "House of Incense Powder," an incredible honor.

Unfortunately, with the passage of time and changing dynasties, the plaque was lost. Chen Shimei passed away over a century ago, and her unique techniques were lost to time.

Chen Shimei, holding the box for a long time, driven by curiosity, opened it to find a small jar inside.

The material of the jar, similar to her usual porcelain pillow, appeared to be from the Ding kiln – beige, delicate, and exquisite, adorned with two carved pink butterflies, with clusters of flowers on its body.

Without much thought, she opened the lid... Inside was a fine white powder.

Bringing the jar to her nose, Chen Shimei sniffed – it was odorless, but it made her nose itch. Turning the jar, she saw a large "Dian" character on it, causing her to gasp. She accidentally inhaled a large amount of the powder...

"Ai... Achoo!"

A monumental sneeze erupted, and Shimei felt the house shake violently... and with a thunderous crash, it collapsed.

……

The Chen family comprised four sisters: the eldest, Chen Yanmei; the second, Chen Xuemei; the third, Chen Hongmei; and the youngest, Chen Shimei. Among them, Chen Shimei was considered the most beautiful.

As the youngest, Shimei was strikingly attractive, with a fair, delicate face, luscious lips, brows like silkworms, almond-shaped eyes, and a straight, elegant nose leading to a pointed chin. Her smile, with eyes curving and lips upturned, was particularly charming. Unfortunately, despite being the youngest and most attractive, she was the least favored.

Old Master Chen had longed for a son for much of his life. After finally having a child in his later years with Madam Chen, it turned out to be another girl. Shortly after Chen Shimei's birth, Madam Chen fell ill and passed away, leading Old Master Chen to displace his frustration onto Shimei. Fortunately, the Chen's wealth ensured that although unloved, Shimei neither starved nor suffered, living a relatively comfortable life.

……

When Chen Shimei regained consciousness, she felt intense pain throughout her body and a heavy weight on her back as if something was pressing down on her.

She was surrounded by darkness, with a faint, rotten smell.

She guessed she was trapped under the house, a serious situation! Trying to move, she realized her limbs were intact, and she still held the jar in her hand.

Struggling forward, she pushed against any obstructions, unsure of the distance covered, until suddenly light broke through with a "whoosh."

The bright light was blinding, and Chen Shi Mei quickly closed her eyes to adjust. The air outside was dry and carried a hint of delicate floral fragrance, which she inhaled deeply.

"Madam!"

A voice filled with surprise and relief called out from not far away.

Shi Mei slowly opened her eyes to see a young girl, dressed in a light green short-sleeve gown, hurrying towards her. Puzzled, Shi Mei noted the girl's attire was from a bygone era.

Observing closely, she noticed the girl wore no cloud shoulder cape or luxurious headdress, indicating a lowly status, likely a maid.

"Madam," the maid reached her and called out to others, "Quick! Inform the prince, she has been rescued."

Confused, Shi Mei wondered who the maid was and why she mentioned a prince instead of her father. Even if her father didn't dote on her, wouldn't he at least inquire if she had been crushed to death?

Lost in thought, another voice said, "Shi Mei sister, you scared us to death. We thought you were crushed."

Chen Shi Mei looked up at the person speaking beside her, puzzled. She was always the youngest, addressed as 'sister' by everyone. How had she suddenly become 'elder sister'?

The speaker was a woman about her age, exquisitely charming, dressed in a crimson-purple bodice and a pink skirt, with a wide-sleeved top covered by a sheer short shirt and a cinching waist belt. Her high-piled hairdo, with strands cascading over her fair, slender neck, framed her willowy brows and phoenix eyes. She was indeed beautiful, though her features bore a hint of cunning.

Along with the maid, the woman helped Shi Mei to her feet, remarking, "Sister, how come you didn't die? But I'm glad you didn't. Otherwise, I’d be left alone to be bullied."

"You are..." Shi Mei looked at her, not understanding.

A glint of confusion flashed in the woman's eyes as she scrutinized Shi Mei, "Shu Mei sister, stop pretending to be crazy. He didn't even come to see you when you were 'dead.' What's the use of acting now?"

Shi Mei's confusion deepened. She looked around and realized the surroundings were still her family's old mansion, now much more opulent. The dilapidated walls had transformed into a vibrant courtyard.

Turning around, she saw the collapsed ruins behind her charred black, explaining the burnt smell she noticed earlier.

As she was helped back into the house and asked many questions, Shi Mei finally understood. She was no longer Chen Shi Mei but the most legendary figure in their family history – the Fragrance Lady, Chen Shu Mei.

However, this lady's situation was not as glorious as outsiders believed. She was a spiteful, jealous wife, always causing trouble.

The woman by her side, who shared the same husband with her, was a concubine named Wang Zan Yue, also out of favor like herself.

Reportedly, Chen Shu Mei, who spent her days studying perfumes and concocting elixirs, accidentally set fire to the fragrance workshop. The building collapsed, trapping her inside. Fortunately, a sudden downpour saved her life.

Shi Mei frowned slightly, amused at the thought. Had she been killed in the family shrine, resurrected using her ancestor's ashes? Looking at the jar in her hand, she indeed found white powder inside, odorless upon sniffing.

"Oh, stop meddling with those powders!" Zhuanyue snatched the urn from Shimei's hands, saying, "Tell me, was the fire accidental? Were you careless, or did someone target you?"

Shimei was startled, thinking, could it be true?!

During their conversation, a servant strutted in, arrogantly delivering the lord's message, "If you're not dead, just recuperate and stop causing trouble." With that dismissive remark, he left without further inquiry.

"Such heartlessness," Zhuanyue stamped her foot in frustration, "He might as well divorce us."

Shimei, however, just smiled silently, finding the situation somewhat amusing. Previously, she longed for a loving husband, having suffered neglect from her father and bullying from her sisters. Yet, now with a husband, she still faced unrequited love, asking Zhuanyue, "Does he have many wives and concubines?"

"There are four of us," Zan Yue said nonchalantly. "You are the main wife, and I, Luan Jing Er, and Ming Fu are concubines. You are the most vicious and jealous, hence the least favored."

Shimei inquired further, "Who is he, exactly?"

Zhuanyue stared at her in disbelief, "Have you really lost your memory from the accident?"

Shimei shook her head, "I don't remember anything."

Zhuanyue, half-convinced, informed her, "He's Lord Qin Xianglian, the Fourth Prince."

"Oh..." Shimei nodded, but said no more. She asked her maid Xiaoxiang to bring a bronze mirror, and saw that her reflection hadn't changed; she looked exactly like Chen Chuimei.

"Sister," Zhuanyue sat down, probing, "Do you truly remember nothing?"

Shimei nodded again, deciding to feign ignorance.

Zhuanyue recounted some significant events to her, and Shimei couldn't help but frown, shocked to learn how her ancestor, the famed Fragrance Lady, was so fiercely jealous and vicious over a callous man.

Just then, the same servant rushed back in a panic, exclaiming, "Madam... something terrible has happened!"

Shimei was shocked to hear the servant announce, "The Empress Dowager has decreed to take you as her imperial daughter, and the Emperor has granted you the title of 'Fragrance Lady'. The royal decree is being delivered, and Lord Qin is waiting for you to appear!"

"What?" Shimei was utterly bewildered.

Zhuanyue, however, jumped up in excitement, "Sister! Finally, our fortunes have turned! Hurry, let's go!"

Shimei, still in a daze, stood up.

Zhuanyue and Xiaoxiang hurriedly dressed her up, saying, "You are the principal wife, and now an imperial daughter. Your status is far above those seductive concubines. Even if Lord Qin despises you, he must respect you now. You won’t have to suffer anymore!"

After being dressed up elaborately, Shimei, looking stunning and regal, made her way to the front hall.

The front hall was in chaos. Firecrackers were being set off outside, eunuchs held the imperial decree, and Lord Qin, accompanied by two beautiful women, came forward to greet Shimei.

Shimei saw her husband, Lord Qin, for the first time. Not yet thirty, he was strikingly handsome and commanding. Although he smiled, his eyes lacked warmth.

Familiar with such cold looks, Shimei didn’t take it to heart.

The eunuchs read the decree, and Shimei and Lord Qin knelt to receive it.

In addition to her title, Shimei received many gifts. The Empress Dowager, having heard of the demise of her perfume workshop, sympathized and ordered a new one to be built. The Emperor even bestowed a plaque reading "Fragrance House."

The eunuchs, before leaving, repeatedly mentioned how the Empress Dowager cherished the longevity and prosperity incense made by Shimei, which had eased her aches on rainy days.

Shimei, a well-bred lady, was not foolish. She graciously thanked the eunuchs and even gave them a jade Pi Xiu as a token of her filial piety towards the Empress Dowager.

The eunuchs left, beaming with joy and full of praises for her.

After the crowd dispersed, Lord Qin took Shimei back to his main residence, suggesting she stay there while her perfume workshop was being rebuilt.

Sensing envious glances, Shimei found amusement in the unexpected turn of events. For the first time in her life, she was receiving such preferential treatment.

Shimei, not keen on sharing a room with Lord Qin and sensing his lack of affection, declined the offer to stay in his main residence, suggesting instead, "I'll just stay with Zhuanyue."

Lord Qin, caught off guard, appeared somewhat flustered, which to Shimei felt gratifying. She found it satisfying that Lord Qin, known for his cold-hearted and flirtatious nature, was suddenly unsettled by her disinterest.

“Hmm…”

Before Lord Qin could respond, a mocking chuckle came from a concubine nearby. It was a subtle sneer, but the implication was clear, ridiculing Shimei for her sudden rise.

Shimei chose not to pursue the matter. Remembering her ancestor's legacy, who single-handedly made the Fragrance House a success, she felt no need to vie for a loveless marriage. Instead, she resolved to forge her own path, seeking personal achievements and respect rather than yearning for the affection of an indifferent husband.

……

“What?!” Zhuanyue exclaimed in shock upon hearing Shimei's decision, “Why choose to live with me instead of the main house? Oh, Sister, can you imagine what Lord Qin must be saying now?”

Shimei just shook her head.

Zhuanyue continued indignantly, “Those concubines must be saying you're getting too arrogant, like a mongrel that's grown hair. You had such a good opportunity, why didn’t you seize it?”

“Seize what?” Shimei, perusing through the perfume recipes found in Chen Trumei's room, mused, “Are these odd-named perfumes actually effective?”

“You have to believe they are,” Zhuanyue replied, sipping her tea. “You used to say you wanted to create a 'Change of Heart' powder to make Lord Qin fall back in love with you.”

Shimei, raising her eyebrows slightly, replied with a smile, “Well, instead of a 'Change of Heart' powder, I think a 'Part Ways' powder might be more useful.”